Western District of MPTA

Elections 2020 - Call for nominations

APTA Centennial Scholar - Call for Applications

APTA Michigan will select one individual to participate in the Centennial Scholar Program.  All travel expenses will be covered.  Application deadline:  August 1

Eligibility and Application Requirements

1. Be a current PT, PTA, or student member of the APTA and APTA Michigan at the time of application and throughout the 2021 Centennial year.
2. Attend three mandatory in-person events [expenses paid by MPTA] and regularly scheduled virtual meetings. The in-person events are currently scheduled for:
   1. January 16, 2021, New York, NY
   2. April 2021 [exact date TBD] in Alexandria, VA
   3. September 12, 2021 in Washington, D.C.
3. Commit to developing and completing a capstone project in collaboration with APTA Michigan, which may extend beyond 2021.
4. Submit a completed application by the application deadline

Click Here to download the application Download file  

More about the Program

The APTA Centennial Scholars Program is designed to build a cadre of future association leaders at both the component and national levels. Demonstrating APTA’s investment in the sustainability of the association as it begins its next 100 years, the program will support our collective quest for a diverse and prepared leadership pool.
How would you describe the program?
The 12-month program will run throughout 2021 with a goal of engaging 100 scholars, including the goal of at least one scholar sponsored by each of APTA’s 71 components. The curriculum will cover association leadership and management topics and be delivered through three face-to-face meetings and regularly scheduled virtual learning experiences. Additionally, scholars will work directly with their sponsoring components or stakeholders to design and complete a capstone project that addresses an existing need as determined by the component. Scholars will also benefit from the guidance of Centennial Scholar mentors who will work directly with the scholars in small groups to support the completion of their projects.
What are the benefits of the program to the participants?
Benefits for Scholars
• Expand awareness of issues and challenges facing APTA and the association community
• Increase leadership skills and recognize arenas in which unique contributions may be applied
• Make an immediate positive impact through their capstone projects
• Network with fellow APTA leaders on a personal and professional level

President’s Message on Social (In)Justice on Behalf of APTA MI and the Board of Directors

Message from the APTA Michigan President, Michael Shoemaker, on Social (In)Justice on Behalf of APTA MI and the Board of Directors

As we all continue to reflect on the tragic events in Minneapolis where George Floyd has become yet another example of racism and social injustice. We are reminded of other similar tragic losses: Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, and Freddie Gray. It is all too easy for some of us to feel hopeless, remain silent, and fall into complacency.

George Floyd’s tragic death is not just a law enforcement problem. It is a societal problem. APTA’s vision is to transform society. #BlackLivesMatter is a call to all of us to reflect inwardly and respond to our ethical obligation to fight racism.

If you have not yet done so, please read APTA President Sharon Dunn’s address to the House of Delegates (https://www.apta.org/PresidentLetter/2020/5/31/). She concludes that racism “…is a disease of the heart and mind that has infected not just people but customs, systems, and laws. There is no vaccine. We must be the cure.”

I urge you to accept her charge and find your own way to be a part of the cure. Compassion and caring is one of our professional core values. Listen, learn, and follow the lead of those with lived experience with racism. Address your own unconscious bias as you interact with others in your profession, your place of employment, and your community.

Last year, APTA MI commissioned a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Perhaps this is one way you might feel compelled to serve as this Committee develops a roadmap for promoting social justice for APTA MI. Or, perhaps you will seek additional education and training in social determinants of health and how to implement steps in your practice in order to do your part in addressing the ways in which racism and social injustice manifest in our healthcare system. https://learningcenter.apta.org//Student/Catalogue/BrowseCatalogue.aspx?query=social%20determinant The possibilities for you to make an individual difference every day and in every interaction are endless.

The APTA MI strategic plan includes promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the chapter to mirror the communities we serve. The urgency of meeting this objective has never been more important. APTA MI stands with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and the National Association of Black Physical Therapists and its components. We are a community that condemns racism, discrimination, and violence. We are committed to the pursuit of social justice within healthcare and beyond.

Tricare PTA Services - New Update April 22

APTA announced that  the Department of Defense (DoD) released a final rule to add licensed or certified PTAs as TRICARE-authorized providers operating under the same qualifications established by Medicare. Services must be furnished under the supervision of a TRICARE-authorized licensed physical therapist.

This rule says that direct supervision will be required in a private practice setting. General supervision will be required in all settings other than private practice. These guidelines are in line with the Medicare supervision requirements.

The rule is effective on April 16, 2020.

Additional Update April 22:  APTA Advisory: TRICARE Manual Updated to Recognize PTAs as Authorized Providers - April 22, 2020

Don't forget to use the CQ modifier if more than 10% of a service is furnished by a PTA.

TRICARE, the health insurance system used throughout the military, announced that it has officially revised its policy manual to recognize PTAs (and occupational therapy assistants) as authorized providers, outlining the rules and requirements governing assistant qualifications, scope of practice, supervision, and reimbursement.

Now it's up to TRICARE contractors to do the same within approximately 30 days.

As reported earlier, beginning with date of service on April 16, PTAs are recognized as authorized providers under TRICARE and thus eligible for reimbursement for covered services rendered to TRICARE beneficiaries.

Take note: The CQ modifier must be appended to the claim when more than 10% of an outpatient physical therapy service is furnished by the PTA. Check out APTA’s Quick Guide to Using the PTA Modifier.

The presence of the modifier shouldn't impact claims processing. However, if claims are denied, they may need to be resubmitted if the claims are sent to contractors before they fully implement the change.

http://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/News/2020/04/22/TRICAREManualUpdatePTAs/